I just have to preface this post by saying that this is NOT diet food. While TV commercials, blogs, magazines, gyms, and weight loss programs are all pushing for everyone to get on a health kick right now that they likely won’t sustain past the end of the month, I’m going to keep on sticking to my motto: everything in moderation. I’m not going to post “healthy” recipes all month long, nor am I going to put a ban on baked goods – I’m going to continue to enjoy the food I love, all in moderation. Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way…this is a dish I threw together last month when I was looking for pure comfort food. At its core, it’s really just fancy macaroni and cheese, but it hit the spot and was so delicious that I just had to share it. I hope you enjoy it!

1 pound bow tie pasta

5 slices bacon

1/2 sweet onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup gouda cheese

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 Tbsp butter

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until slightly crispy. Remove to a paper towel to absorb some of the drippings. Once cool, chop into pieces. Sauté the onion in the remaining bacon drippings until tender, and then remove to a paper towel.

Grate the cheese.

Drain the sauce pan of the bacon drippings, and then add the bacon, onion, cream, and butter to the pan. Let simmer on low heat for a few minutes, until the cream sauce begins to reduce and thicken. Stir in the cheese. Add the pasta to the skillet, and stir until all of the ingredients are incorporated and the pasta is coated with the sauce. Season with the salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Tracy, I’m definitely making this I was just saying to Nate last night that I need to find more recipes for farfalle — I had a dish from The Cheesecake Factory with bacon, farfalle, and a few other things that I want to try to replicate, and this looks delicious!

I have a friend having surgery and was looking for something delicious to make and take to her house! We have a winner! I also want to try your orange scone from earlier this month – who doesn’t LOVE scones! Love your website!!!

This sounds really delicious. It is like mac and cheese taken up a notch. I agree with you; everything in moderation is the way to go. Though I am trying to eat better since I ate like a pig for the last two months, I will never give up eating all the things I love:)

YES!!! Love this dish! I am so with you I am a bit tired of all the healthy talk…everywhere. Just eat what you want in moderation and exercise. I love pasta and pasta dishes just like this one…I personally think bacon s/b listed as a superfood – not because of the nutritional value (LOL) but because it’s so darn good and gives the person enjoying it moments of bliss!!!!